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Dangote: Priority Investments in Infrastructure, Core Industries will Boost Nigeria’s Economy
Business magnate and President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote has identified priority investments in infrastructure and core industries among other recommendations, as vital panaceas to boost Nigeria’s economy to its desired level among contemporary nations and in the world overall.
Against the background of the declining fortune of the manufacturing sector, the Africa’s wealthiest man urged the Federal Government to employ strategically
prioritize investments in infrastructure to reverse the trend and boost Nigeria’s economy to its desired level among contemporary nations and in the world over.
In his address as Guest Speaker at the landmark 50th Annual General Meeting of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) and the 2nd Adeola Odutola Lecture held yesterday in Lagos, Dangote expressed optimism also noted that with the collective effort of all stakeholders, it is feasible to move Nigeria from “developing nation” to “newly industrialized nation”.
Dangote said it is imperative that the familiar challenges limiting the pace of industrialisation are frontally addressed while setting a clear-cut agenda for the next 10 years. He identified priority investments in infrastructure and core industries among other recommendations, as vital panaceas to boost Nigeria’s economy to its desired level among contemporary nations and in the world overall.
During the AGM, themed: “An Agenda for Nigeria’s Industrialization for the Next Decade”, where a Blueprint for the Accelerated Development of Manufacturing in Nigeria 2.0 was unveiled, the foremost entrepreneur advocated jail terms for dealers in foreign textile materials in order to discourage imports and boost local production in the textile industry. For legislative backup, he also sought the enactment of a law prohibiting the sale of imported fabrics in the country.
Dangote identified various measures which needed to be put in place to allow Nigeria speed up its industrialization process and development growth. These measures included investment in infrastructure; creation of business-enabling Policy Framework; development of core industries; macroeconomic stability; facilitation of sectoral linkages and sustaining of the federal government’s recent efforts at ensuring security of lives, properties and investments across the nation.
The business titan examined the performance of the industrial sector in Nigeria; identified the nexus between industrialization and economic development with Nigeria and China as case study; analyzed the manufacturing sector in the country with focus on its growth trajectory, current status and challenges, and set an agenda for the next ten years with an implementation roadmap.
According to him, “the experience in various parts of the world has shown that industrialization drives economic growth & development, which improves living standards as evident by the high output and per capita income in industrialized countries.
“The rate of industrialization in Nigeria has been slow as evidenced by the low contribution of manufacturing to GDP, poor capacity utilization and constrained export of manufactured products within and outside the continent. For instance, Nigeria’s share of world output of 0.41%, ranked 29th in the world which is unimpressive, considering its size and resource endowments. It ranks poorly
when compared with India at (3.1%), South Korea (3.0%) and China (28.7%).
“Nigeria’s industrialization process has been greatly challenged by structural and institutional constraints, particularly funding. These factors have over the years cumulatively contributed to its disappointing performance. For instance, in the last decade, average share of manufacturing value added to GDP in countries like China and Malaysia stood at 41% and 38% respectively; compared to 25% in Nigeria.
“In terms of capacity utilization, a major performance indicator which reflects the ability of manufacturing companies to meet rising demand without increasing cost, Nigeria achieved a rate of 55% compared to 76% and 78% in China and South Africa respectively. The country’s dwindling industrial performance has significant socio-economic implications, as poverty and unemployment continue to rise.
“From 1960 to 2003, the development trajectory of China by far outpaced that of Nigeria within the same period even though Nigeria began on a seemingly better footing. It is therefore important to track back to where Nigeria “dropped the ball” with a view to repositioning the country to the path of growth, development, and social upliftment.
“Based on the comparative analysis of Nigeria and China, one can safely make the following deductions (i) the numerical strength of a nation (population) can indeed be translated into economic wealth (ii) steady growth in manufacturing output is possible when the operating environment is conducive; (iii) no nation can easily transit from “developing” to “newly industrialized” without a vibrant manufacturing sector; (iv) effective implementation of long term plans backed with policy consistency will promote enduring economic growth and development”, the industrialist added.
According to Dangote, “Nigeria’s manufacturing sector is dominated by light manufacturing with only a few firms operating in the heavy segment of the sector. There are several factors that need to be in place to accelerate the growth of the manufacturing sector in Nigeria. These include: security and rule of law, industry-oriented government policy; adequate infrastructure; industry-oriented Research & Development (R&D); a well-developed SME sector; building of human capacity, and embrace of technology to improve efficiency through automation of manufacturing processes.
On current status of the manufacturing sector, Dangote noted that manufacturing was singled out in the Nigerian Industrial Revolution Plan (NIRP) as the driver of industrialisation and economic growth.
“The contribution of manufacturing to Real GDP in Nigeria contrasts with what was obtained in countries like China (27.16% in 2019); Germany (19.11%); Japan (20.74%) and South Africa (13.53%). To drive industrialization and sustained economic growth in Nigeria, it is important that deliberate policies that are manufacturing-specific should be designed to support manufacturing activities and address the perennial challenges of the sector. It is important to note that the current government policies, if fully implemented, are good enough to address most of the challenges we are now facing,” he said.
Among manufacturing challenges, he identified acute shortage of forex; dearth of long-term funds; limited infrastructure; policy inconsistency/implementation/ enforcement; over-regulation; multiple and high taxes for the industries (the manufacturing sector is beset with over thirty statutory taxes, levies, fees, etc. charged at multiple tiers of government), and insecurity.
According to Dangote, “In consideration of the afore-mentioned challenges, there is an urgent need for a shift in policy approach and strategy to reposition the manufacturing sector for growth over the next ten years. It is imperative that the familiar challenges limiting the pace of industrialization are frontally addressed while setting a clear-cut agenda for the next 10 years.”
While setting an agenda for the next 10 years, Dangote said, “To achieve industrialization goals, it is necessary for a nation to formulate plans and policies that will enhance and sustain industrial development. Sustainable industrial development involves establishment of a conducive environment to encourage investment and ensure efficient usage of resources to increase productivity and growth of the nation.
“Nigeria needs to henceforth intensify efforts at promoting industrialization with specific focus on the attainment of the following targets in the next 10 years: 15% manufacturing sector growth, 20% manufacturing contribution to GDP, 15% growth in export of manufactured products, 10% increase in the share of manufacturing to total export merchandise, stronger inter-industry linkage between SMEs and large corporations, improved manufacturing contribution to Government tax revenue and 20% increase in manufacturing employment”, he added.
In his conclusion, Dangote noted that, “The drive to transform Nigerian into an industrialized nation has been a consistent goal of successive governments since independence. It is therefore, imperative that we focus on sectors with great potential for inclusive growth. Sustainability must be central to our industrial development agenda.
“There is also the need for government (at all tiers) to ensure that they consult widely with relevant stakeholders when taking far reaching decisions on key sectors of the economy. This will make it much easier for manufacturers to make long-term business plans. In addition, policies that have been “tried- and- tested” should be backed with an Act of parliament to give them legal backing and make them less susceptible to arbitrary changes by successive governments.
“Industrialization, driven by manufacturing, has the capacity to facilitate enduring economic growth. The transition mechanism entails the availability of required resources, of appropriate technology, provision of favourable operating environment, human capital development, stable macroeconomic environment and adequate infrastructure. With the collective effort of all stakeholders, it is feasible to move Nigeria from “developing nation” to “newly industrialized nation” status within the next 10 years”, he added.
News
2027: PRP Raises Alarm Over Alleged Hijack of Party Nomination Forms by Kwankwaso
The Chairman of the PRP Northwest Stakeholders Forum, Abdulkadir Musa Guza, has accused Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso of attempting to take control of the nomination tickets of several political parties ahead of 2027 general elections.
Speaking at a press conference in Kano, Guza alleged that nomination forms for all 69 elective positions under the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) had been purchased by an individual who is not a member of the party.
He claimed that similar actions had also been carried out in more than seven other political parties, describing the development as a threat to democratic practice and internal party democracy.
Guza said the forum was particularly concerned by reports linking Kwankwaso to the exercise, questioning why the former Kano State governor would seek to have the nomination tickets of several political parties under his influence.
According to him, such actions amount to political deception and could deny genuine party members the opportunity to contest elections on their preferred platforms.
The PRP chieftain described the development as “political robbery” capable of creating confusion, disputes and disorder in the electoral process if left unchecked.
He maintained that the PRP is a party founded on principles and democratic values and would not tolerate any attempt to hijack its internal processes
Guza said the party has many loyal members interested in contesting various elective positions and insisted that their rights must be protected.
He appealed to Kwankwaso to allow political parties to operate independently and democratically, adding that the PRP should be spared from what he described as interference in its affairs.
The chairman warned that the forum would have no option but to seek legal redress should the alleged actions continue.
News
Breaking:ADC Reaffirms Ibrahim Khalil as 2027 Kano Governorship Candidate, Rejects Alleged Imposition
The leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Kano State has reaffirmed Malam Ibrahim Khalil as the party’s sole and legitimate candidate for the 2027 Kano State governorship election, while strongly rejecting what it described as attempts by external forces to undermine the outcome of the party’s gubernatorial primary election.
The position was made public on Saturday at the Kano Press Centre of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), where senior party figures addressed journalists and accused certain national actors within the party of interfering in the affairs of the Kano chapter.
Speaking on behalf of the Expanded State Interim Leadership Team (ESILT) and other stakeholders, party elder Alhaji Sulaiman Muhammad Mabo said the Kano chapter remained united behind Ibrahim Khalil and would resist any effort to alter the mandate given to him by party members.
According to the leaders, Khalil emerged victorious during the ADC gubernatorial primaries conducted on May 22, 2026, securing 55,851 votes against his closest rival, who polled 4,000 votes.
“The election was clear and decisive,” the stakeholders said in a position paper addressed to the party’s National Chairman, Senator David Mark. “There was a winner and there was a loser. The mandate freely given to Malam Ibrahim Khalil by party members must be respected and restored.”
The Kano ADC leadership argued that their endorsement of Khalil goes beyond the primary election results, describing it as a strategic decision rooted in Kano’s political significance and unique electoral realities.
They noted that Kano remains one of Nigeria’s most influential political and economic centres, particularly in Northern Nigeria, and that the state’s electoral performance often carries implications for national elections.
According to the stakeholders, Khalil’s influence among Islamic scholars and religious institutions could strengthen the ADC’s prospects across the North-West region and contribute positively to the party’s presidential ambitions in 2027.
They also highlighted what they described as his broad grassroots appeal, claiming he enjoys support across different religious groups, social classes, and demographic categories.
“Khalil enjoys widespread acceptance among women and young people, many of whom regularly follow his radio programmes,” the statement said.
The stakeholders further praised Khalil’s longstanding commitment to the ADC, describing him as one of the party’s foundational figures in Kano.
They credited him with helping establish party structures and ensuring the survival of the ADC during difficult periods, arguing that his loyalty and sacrifices positioned him as the most deserving candidate for the governorship ticket.
The statement also portrayed the Islamic scholar as a unifying figure capable of bringing together various Islamic groups while maintaining cordial relationships with Christian communities across the state.
According to the leaders, such qualities make him a credible alternative to what they called the “corrupt politics” associated with rival political forces.
A major focus of the briefing was the alleged interference of Hajiya Naja’atu Muhammed, former Deputy National Chairman (Values and Ethics) of the ADC.
The Kano stakeholders accused her of attempting to influence the conduct and outcome of the state’s primary election, including allegedly instructing the chairman of the election committee not to announce the results.
They further alleged that she had sidelined legitimate party stakeholders in favour of individuals loyal to her interests.
The leaders argued that the ADC constitution does not grant any national officer the authority to arbitrarily direct the affairs of state chapters.
“Being a national officer does not confer the power to dictate the affairs of a local chapter,” the statement declared. “The constitution clearly outlines the responsibilities of each organ of the party, and no provision empowers any deputy national chairman to superintend over state chapters.”
The Kano leadership also maintained that the office previously occupied by Naja’atu Muhammed no longer possesses substantive legal standing following constitutional amendments and decisions reached by the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC).
They described any actions taken under that authority as “unlawful and constitutionally invalid.”
Responding to concerns that Ibrahim Khalil may lack the financial resources required for a competitive gubernatorial campaign, the stakeholders pointed to Kano’s political history as evidence that electoral success in the state is not solely determined by wealth.
They cited the victories of former governors such as Muhammadu Abubakar Rimi in 1979, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso in 1999, and Ibrahim Shekarau in 2003, arguing that each overcame financially stronger opponents through public support and credibility.
“If history teaches us anything, it is that Kano voters have consistently demonstrated a willingness to choose candidates based on character, integrity and principles rather than wealth,” the statement said.
The Kano ADC leadership concluded by urging the party’s national leadership to intervene immediately and halt what it described as continued interference in the affairs of the state chapter.
The stakeholders warned that ignoring the will of party members could trigger internal divisions and electoral setbacks, drawing parallels with challenges experienced by the former Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) ahead of the 2011 elections.
They declared that the Kano chapter remains firmly committed to defending Khalil’s mandate and would no longer cooperate with directives linked to the alleged interference.
“The Kano State ADC is firmly resolved that Malam Ibrahim Khalil’s mandate must be respected,” the leaders stated. “We will no longer tolerate interference or cooperate with any assignment connected to these actions, regardless of who issues such directives.”
The statement was signed by former Kano ADC Chairman Alhaji Musa Shu’aibu Ungogo, party elder Alhaji Sulaiman Muhammad Mabo, and the party’s Administrative Secretary, Dr. Bala M. I. Takai, on behalf of members of the Expanded State Interim Leadership Team and other stakeholders across Kano State.
News
EkitiDecides: Gov. Oyebanji Re-elected for Second Tenure
By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa
The candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Saturday’s governorship election in Ekiti, Gov. Biodun Oyebanji, has emerged winner with 319,224 votes.
Oyebanji defeated his closest rival and candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Wole Oluyede, who scored 40,543 vote
Adenike Oladiji, INEC’s Chief Returning Officer and Vice Chancellor, Federal University of Technology, Akure, announced the result on Sunday in Ado-Ekiti.
She said Oyebanji satisfied all the requirements in the election and was declared elected.
Giving a breakdown, Oladiji said the election had 988, 251 as total number of registered voters and 384, 949 as the total number of accredited voters across the 16 Local Government Areas of the state.
She gave the total number of votes cast as 382,109 while the total number of rejected votes was 6,332.
Speaking with journalists after the announcement, Sen. Cyril Fasuyi, the APC Collation Agent, urged other contenders to join the governor in building a prosperous state.
“In every contest there will only be one winner.
” I think there should be that sportsmanship spirit with all of them.
“I think nobody is a loser; we understand it’s just for everybody to come on board to support the governor in his developmental drive,” he said.
The breakdown of the parties that participated in the election and the votes scored are listed below:
COLLATED RESULTS FOR EKITI 2026 GOVERNORSHIP ELECTION
1. EMURE LG
COLLATION OFFICER – PROF EMMANUEL OLUWAFEMI
RESULTS
ADC – 732
APC 14325
PDP – 851
2. EFON LG
COLLATION OFFICER – PRO. SUNDAY OJO
RESULTS
ADC -201
APC 8742
PDP 2051
3. IJERO LG
COLLATION OFFICER – PROF OLANIRAN AKANNI
RESULTS
ADC 2026
APC 25506
PDP 2479
4. IKERE LG
COLLATION OFFICER – PROF KEHINDE JAIYEOLA
RESULTS
ADC 245
APC 11116
5. EKITI SOUTH LG
COLLATION OFFICER – PROF KOLA OLADUNMOYE
RESULTS
ADC 1076
APC 14705
PDP 1800
6. IDO-OSI
COLLATION OFFICER – PROF AKINTUDE. MUTAKUBI
RESULTS
ADC 561
APC 17901
PDP 1449
7. EKITI WEST LG
COLLATION OFFICER – PROF BOLAJI STEPHEN
RESULTS
ADC 674
APC 28258
PDP 3644
8. ADO LG
COLLATION OFFICER – PROF TOYE FASIMINRIN
RESULTS
ADC 1054
APC 38026
PDP 3817
9. ILEJEME LG
COLLATION OFFICER – MOGAJI ANTHONY
RESULTS
ADC 578
APC 8984
PDP 1243
10. ISE-ORUN LG
COLLATION OFFICER – DR JOHN ISSA
RESULTS
ADC 365
APC 12908
PDP 1627
11. OYE LG
COLLATION OFFICER – PROF JIDE POPOOLA
RESULTS
ADC 998
APC 18975
PDP 2891
12. MOBA LG
COLLATION OFFICER – PROF ADEGBOYEGA SULAIMAN
RESULTS
ADC 994
APC 20500
PDP 1572
13. AYEKIRE GBONYIN LG
COLLATION OFFICER – PROF OSHO BAMIDELE
RESULTS
ADC 314
APC 17133
PDP 1503
14. IKOLE LG
COLLATION OFFICER – PROF SADIA FUNMILAYO ADIFALA
RESULTS
ADC 812
APC 26508
PDP 750
15. IREPODUN/IFELODUN LG
COLLATION OFFICER – PROF MICHAEL ADEYEMI
RESULTS
ADC 511
APC 29278
PDP 2119
16. EKITI WEST LG
COLLATION OFFICER – PROF OLABODE OLATUBOSUN
RESULTS
ADC 1730
APC 26359
PDP 2795
2027: PRP Raises Alarm Over Alleged Hijack of Party Nomination Forms by Kwankwaso
Breaking:ADC Reaffirms Ibrahim Khalil as 2027 Kano Governorship Candidate, Rejects Alleged Imposition
EkitiDecides: Gov. Oyebanji Re-elected for Second Tenure
The Unsung Guardians of Nigeria’s Prosperity-Edekhe Glorious Maria
Deadly Conspiracy To Topple Commissioner Waiya And Unseen Hands Behind The Persistent Attacks
Governor Yusuf Apppoints Ibrahim Adam Special Adviser On Social Media, Other Advisers
14.2 Percent: The Electoral Arithmetic That Exposes the Fundamental Fragility of Peter Obi’s 2027 Northern Strategy
Eid Al-Adha Message from the Kano State Centre for Disease Control On Sacrifice, Solidarity, and a Shared Duty to Protect Life
Professor Adamu Abubakar Gwarzo: The Young African Visionary Redefining Education, Innovation and Human Development Across Continents
Eid Al-Adha Felicitations-Prof Muhammad Abbas
2027: PRP Raises Alarm Over Alleged Hijack of Party Nomination Forms by Kwankwaso
Breaking:ADC Reaffirms Ibrahim Khalil as 2027 Kano Governorship Candidate, Rejects Alleged Imposition
EkitiDecides: Gov. Oyebanji Re-elected for Second Tenure
The Unsung Guardians of Nigeria’s Prosperity-Edekhe Glorious Maria
Deadly Conspiracy To Topple Commissioner Waiya And Unseen Hands Behind The Persistent Attacks
Governor Yusuf Apppoints Ibrahim Adam Special Adviser On Social Media, Other Advisers
14.2 Percent: The Electoral Arithmetic That Exposes the Fundamental Fragility of Peter Obi’s 2027 Northern Strategy
Eid Al-Adha Message from the Kano State Centre for Disease Control On Sacrifice, Solidarity, and a Shared Duty to Protect Life
Professor Adamu Abubakar Gwarzo: The Young African Visionary Redefining Education, Innovation and Human Development Across Continents
Eid Al-Adha Felicitations-Prof Muhammad Abbas
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